Wales and the Republic of Ireland both suffered penalty shootout heartbreak in their World Cup 2026 playoff matches, ending their hopes of reaching the tournament. Wales lost 4-2 on penalties to Bosnia-Herzegovina after a 1-1 draw, while the Republic of Ireland fell 4-3 to the Czech Republic following a 2-2 stalemate.
Wales took the lead in the 86th minute through a stunning strike from Dan James, but veteran striker Edin Dzeko, aged 40, equalised with a header from a corner to force extra time. In the shootout, Neco Williams and Brennan Johnson missed their spot kicks, allowing Bosnia-Herzegovina to advance.
The Republic of Ireland led 2-0 but were pegged back by the Czech Republic, with Ladislav Krejci scoring the equaliser from a corner. In the penalty shootout, Caoimhin Kelleher saved to give Ireland a 3-2 lead, but misses from Finn Azaz and Alan Browne proved costly. Jan Kliment scored the decisive penalty to send Ireland out.
Both defeats mean Wales and the Republic of Ireland will miss the 2026 World Cup, with Ireland's last appearance now 24 years ago. Poland secured a 2-1 comeback win over Albania and will face Sweden in the next round.
